N0.1254. GYMNODONT FISHES Of JAPAN— JORDAJ^ AND SNYDER. 245 
Color dark, with rounded or oblong irregular bluish white spots 
a])ovo, which are confluent along- sides into larger, elongate spots and 
vermiculations which are smaller on head and middle of back; a large 
dark blotch behind pectoral; traces of a dusky spot below dorsal; 
caudal dusky posteriorly; other lins with a little dusky; the anal often 
without dark color. The ground color is sometimes gray; in other 
cases almost black. There are some variations in amount of pale 
markings. 
Southern Japan, rather common. Known from the other entirely 
smooth species by the vaguely defined vermiculate pale spots, which 
are larger along the sides. 
Here described from a specimen from Kobe; numerous others are 
from Tokyo, Misaki, Tsuruga, and Nagasaki. The species seems to 
reach a small size only, and none show any signs of prickles. 
{Vermicidaris^ with worm tracks.) 
15. SPHEROIDES BOREALIS Jordan and Snyder, new species. 
Head 3^ in length; depth 4i; depth of caudal peduncle 4^ in head; 
eye 5^; snout 2i; interorbital space 8f, dorsal raj's 13; anal vay^i 11. 
FlO. 5. — SPHEROIDES BOREALIS. 
Body moderately elongate, the dorsal contour little elevated; the 
caudal peduncle narrow, not compressed, its length contained about 
li in head. Length of head much less than space between gill-opening 
and insertion of dorsal; interorbital space slightl}^ convex. Ej'^e 2f in 
snout. Nostrils located in an oval elevation. Jaws equal. Teeth not 
pointed anteriorh", the cutting edges straight; suture between teeth 
without deep groove, the vertical ridges on either side of suture 
evident though not prominent. Gill opening not quite so wide as base 
of pectoral, the inner flap exposed along its edge. Lateral fold 
present. Skin without prickles. Lines of mucous pores indistinct; 
lateral line running from snout backward below eye, curving upward 
over the pectoral, passing downward and backward to base of caudal 
fin; a branch passing over the nape above gill openings; a branch pass- 
